222 FEATHERED RBSIDENTS IN THE GROUNDS OF TERRICK HOUSE. 



longer "like angels' visits^ few and far between/' but become general, and 

 then nests of this species may be found in every hedge-row. I once met with 

 one placed inside a hollow tree, access being gained by an opening in the 

 side; the nest was supported by a briar which chanced to be growing there. 



In lengthened periods of drought, as well as in long continued frosts, these 

 birds, in common with other species which subsist chiefly upon worms and 

 other moisture-loving creatures, find their resources in a great measure fail; 

 worms having penetrated to a sufficient depth to be out of the reach of 

 drought on the one hand, and of frost on the other, are consequently far 

 enough out of the reach of their feathered enemies; while snails have laid 

 themselves up in hidden and secret places, have retired within their shells, 

 and those shells are as it were hermetically sealed. It is to these the attention 

 of the Song Thrush is directed, they are diligently sought after, and when 

 found are conveyed to some convenient stone, against which, by repeated 

 hammerings, the shell is broken and the body of the creature extracted. An 

 immense quantity of broken shells may sometimes be found around a stone 

 used for the purpose; affording good proof that the Song Thrush is a staunch 

 friend to the Horticulturist, and, as such, ought to meet with protection and 

 encouragement. 



Close by, in a box tree begirt with ivy, we find the nest of the Blackbird, 

 (Merttla vulgaris.) This nest is more bulky and heavier, as well as heavier 

 looking, than the last; the lining consists of coarse grass, with moss and dry 

 leaves. The eggs, generally five, sometimes, but rarely, six, are of a dull 

 greenish ground, freckled or clouded with various shades of brown; there are 

 many varieties both in size and colour. I met with a nest this year in 

 Cokethorpe Park, containing five eggs, one of which was of the fine blue of 

 the Song Thrush's, without spot or stain; three of the same ground-colour, 

 with a few indistinct markings; and the remaining one freckled over the blue 

 ground with the usual colouring. The situations chosen for the nest are very 

 similar to those selected by the Song Thrush, but, as a general rule, they 

 arc placed nearer the ground. I have, in numberless instances, in woods, 

 found them resting upon it, or at least upon the stump of a felled tree level 

 with it. It does not generally go to rest so early as the Song Thrush, nor 

 does it, so far as I have observed, continue breeding so late in the season. 



There are but few birds, on a comparison with which, the Blackbird will 

 suffer. Its beautiful jet black plumage, admirably relieved by its bright orange- 

 coloured beak and eyelids, Avhen seen hopping across the snow-covered lawn, 

 and fearlessly approaching, as it will do when unmolested, the drawing-room 

 windows, in anticipation of sundry dainties with which it is wont to be regaled; 

 renders it an object which no one can see without admiring, And then its 

 notes, rich, soft, and mellow, as it pours them forth in the sweet spring 

 time, cannot be listened to without their exciting a feeling of unmixed pleasure. 

 Who so selfish as to deny this bird a small portion of his fruit, in return 

 for the pleasure its appearance and song give him; especially when it is borne 



